As I sat in the hospital the other day, I was again reminded of how frustrating it can be to deal with financial matters relating to health care.

“How much does that procedure cost?”

Have you ever asked that question at a doctor’s or hospital office?

I have rarely received a straight answer. In fact, most times the individual responds with a shocked look and then responds with an answer like, “I don’t know” or “I have no idea”. Even worse, I get this response: “It all depends.” To which I respond, “Just tell me an average amount I should plan for.” I then receive the worst response ever, “It all depends on your insurance and care provided.”

I just want to know how much it costs!

Believe it or not, my doctor actually had a set number for cash-paying customers. He even gave a discount for pre-payment of the fee!

Can you imagine going into Wal-Mart, picking up a gallon of milk without seeing or being able to obtain a price? Then at the checkout, it would be a magic formula of one part random fees, one part insurance company garbled language and rates, and another part how nice you spoke to the person?

Tell me about your experiences with hospitals and doctors and their clarity of fees. Am I the only one?